20221416 Ver 1_U-5839_MCDC_20221012

MINIMUM CRITERIA DETERMINATION CHECKLIST
TIP Project No.: U-5839
State Project No.: 50230.1.1
Project Location: US 276 (Russ Avenue/Walnut Street) from US 23/74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway)
to US 23 Business (N. Main Street) in Waynesville, Haywood County.
Project Description:
US 276 (Russ Avenue/Walnut Street) corridor upgrade from US 23/74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway)
to US 23 Business (N. Main Street) in Waynesville, including access management as well as bicycle and
pedestrian facility improvements. Four different typical sections are proposed along the project corridor:
- From US 23/74 to Walnut Street, a four -lane divided (concrete, 17.5 feet) facility with bicycle lanes and 5-
foot sidewalks is proposed with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per hour (mph).
- From Walnut Street to Hazel Street, a four -lane undivided facility with shared bicycle lanes and 5-foot
sidewalks is proposed with a posted speed limit of 20 mph.
- From Hazel Street to Boundary Street, a three -lane undivided facility, including one northbound lane and
two southbound lanes, with shared bicycle lanes and 5-foot sidewalks is proposed with a posted speed
limit of 20 mph.
- From Boundary Street to N. Main Street, a two-lane undivided facility with 5-foot sidewalks and variable
on -street parking is proposed with a posted speed limit of 20 mph.
The purpose of the project is to improve traffic operations along the corridor and ensure an acceptable level
of service for the traveling public into the future. US 276 is a major thoroughfare with several important
functions that include: providing access to US 23/74, the primary regional freeway; serving as the spine of the
local network, a north -south arterial with connection to east -west facilities; connecting Waynesville and
Maggie Valley; serving adjacent land uses, which include a variety of business and commercial destinations;
and serving as a gateway into the Town of Waynesville historic downtown and central business district.
Although a notable increase in traffic volumes is not forecasted, development and re -development activity
continues to occur along the corridor. Without access management, congestion is likely to worsen and could
effectively reduce existing capacity. The proposed project will address these concerns by employing access
management, spot intersection improvements, signal system upgrades, as well as bicycle and pedestrian
facility improvements. The project will also improve safety along the corridor by reducing the number of
conflict points for vehicular and non -vehicular travelers.
This project is included in the French Broad River Metropolitan Transportation Plan (2015) and in the 2018-
2027 NCDOT State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). It is scheduled to begin right-of-way in fiscal
year 2019 and construction in fiscal year 2021. The estimated cost in the STIP includes $2,149,000 for project
development and design; $6,554,000 for right-of-way acquisition; and $11,550,000 for construction and
utility relocation with a project total of $20,253,000.
Anticipated Permit or Consultation Requirements: A Nationwide Permit (NWP) 14 and NWP 3 are
anticipated for the project; however, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has final discretion as to what
permit will be required to authorize project construction.
2/6/2019 1 of 14

Special Project Information:
Alternatives
Two alternatives have been considered for this project as described below. Table 1 contains a summary
comparison of each.
(1) The first alternative initially proposed for the US 276 (Russ Avenue/Walnut Street) project corridor
includes three different typical sections. The first section, extending from US 23/74 to Walnut Street,
contains a four -lane divided (concrete, 17.5 feet) facility with 5-foot bicycle lanes, curb -and -gutter, and a 10-
foot berm containing 5-foot sidewalks. The second section, extending from Walnut Street to Boundary Street,
contains a four -lane undivided facility with 5-foot bicycle lane in the southbound direction and shared lane in
the northbound direction, curb -and -gutter, and 10-foot berm containing 8-foot sidewalks. The third section,
extending from Boundary Street to N. Main Street, contains a three -lane undivided facility with two
southbound lanes and one northbound lane, 5-foot bicycle lane in the southbound direction and shared lane
in the northbound direction, curb -and -gutter, and 10-foot berm containing 8-foot sidewalks. The total
proposed cross section width for each section under the initial alternative is 94.5 feet for section one, 70 feet
for section two and 65 feet for section three.
(2) The second (preferred) alternative proposed for the project corridor also includes three different
typical sections. The first section, extending From US 23/74 to Walnut Street, a four -lane divided (concrete,
17.5 feet) facility with bicycle lanes and 5-foot sidewalks is proposed with a posted speed limit of 35 miles per
hour (mph). From Walnut Street to Hazel Street, a four -lane undivided facility with shared bicycle lanes and
5-foot sidewalks is proposed with a posted speed limit of 20 mph. From Hazel Street to Boundary Street, a
three -lane undivided facility, including one northbound lane and two southbound lanes, with shared bicycle
lanes and 5-foot sidewalks is proposed with a posted speed limit of 20 mph. From Boundary Street to N. Main
Street, a two-lane undivided facility with 5-foot sidewalks and variable on -street parking is proposed with a
posted speed limit of 20 mph. The total proposed cross section width for each section under the second
(preferred) alternative is 94.5 feet for section one, 67 feet for section two, 56 feet for section three and 39
feet for section four (not including on -street parking since locations are variable and provided wherever they
can be accommodated within the existing right-of-way area).
Table 1. Summary Comparison of U-5839 Alternative 1 & Alternative 2 (Preferred)
Section &
Vehicle
Pedestrian
On -Street
Total Cross
Median
Bicycle Facility
Alternative
1 — Russ Avenue from
Lanes
US 23/74 to
Walnut Street
Facility
Parking
Section Width
Alternative 1
4
17.5 ft.
Bike lanes
5-ft. sidewalks
N/A
94.5 feet
Alternative 2
4
17.5 ft.
Bike lanes
5-ft. sidewalks
N/A
94.5 feet
2 — Walnut Street from
Russ Avenue
to Hazel Street
(western side of
Bike lane SB,
..
Alternative 1
4
Undivided
8-ft. sidewalks
N/A
75 feet
Shared lane NB
Alternative 2
4
Undivided
Shared lanes
5-ft. sidewalks
N/A
67 feet
2 — Walnut Street from
Hazel Street
.Boundary
Bike lane SB,
Alternative 1
4
Undivided
8-ft. sidewalks
N/A
75 feet
Shared lane NB
Alternative 2
Undivided
Shared lanes
5-ft. sidewalks
N/A
56 feet
(2 5631 NB)
2/6/2019 2 of 14

Table 1. Summary Comparison of U-5839 Alternative
1 & Alternative 2 (Preferred)
Section &
Vehicle
Pedestrian
On -Street
Total Cross
Median
Bicycle Facility
Alternative
Lanes
Facility
Parking
Section Width
3 — Walnut Street from
Boundary
3
Bike lane SB,
Alternative 1
Undivided
8-ft. sidewalks
None
65 feet
(2 SB, 1 NB)
Shared lane NB
39 feet
Alternative 2
2
Undivided
None
5-ft. sidewalks
Variable
(not ind. parking,
which is variable)
Cultural Resources
Historic Architecture — A National Register Listed Historic District (HW0181) boundary spans a considerable
portion of the U-5839 project corridor and study area and two locally -designated landmarks (HW0114 and
HW 0133) are located adjacent to the corridor. It has been determined the preferred alternative (Alternative
2) will have No Adverse Effect on historic resources. As stated in the Historic Architecture and Landscapes
Assessment of Effects Form (included in Appendix), ongoing coordination with the Town of Waynesville,
utility providers, local historic preservation commission, and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has led
to a final design that is approved by the town, utility providers and local historic commission. The Effects
Determination is dependent on satisfaction of the following project commitments:
- All sidewalk that is improved/replaced in the Historic District will retain granite curb.
- Existing overhead utilities will be relocated underground and aboveground poles removed, with service
connections relocated to rear side of structures. One small aboveground utility cabinet will be located at
H W0133.
- Decorative street lighting will be provided by the Town of Waynesville.
- Existing on -street parking along west side of Walnut Street will be retained.
- A Permanent Utility Easement (PUE) will be located on the currently vacant lot in the northeast quadrant
of the Walnut and Boundary Street intersection.
Archaeological Resources — A screening of archaeological resources by NCDOT Cultural Resources Group
concluded that no Archaeological Survey is required (July 8, 2016) (form included in Appendix).
Pedestrian and Greenway Facilities
Proposed improvements to the project corridor include 5-foot sidewalks along both sides of US 276 for the
length of the project. Where existing sidewalks are located, NCDOT will pay 100% of the cost to replace them.
Construction of new sidewalk on the project corridor will be subject to NCDOT cost -sharing requirements for
a municipality with a population less than 10,000 (80% NCDOT, 20% Local), as outlined in the NCDOT
Pedestrian Policy Guidelines (effective 12/1/1976, updated 4/16/2001). Following project construction, the
Town of Waynesville will be responsible for maintenance and liability of all sidewalks.
Future plans for the Richland Creek Greenway are cited in several local planning documents, including the
Town of Waynesville Greenway Feasibility Study (2017), Comprehensive Pedestrian Plan (2010) and Russ
Avenue Corridor Studies (2010, 2016); as well as the Haywood County Comprehensive Bicycle Plan (2011) and
Comprehensive System -wide Parks and Recreation Master Plan (2007). The preferred alignment for the future
greenway is along/adjacent to the southern bank of Richland Creek, which intersects the project corridor at
the Richland Creek bridge. Based on coordination with the Town of Waynesville, an at -grade crossing will be
provided for the future trail via crosswalk located at the existing signalized intersection on the southern
Richland Creek Bridge approach, as depicted on Environmental Features Figure 4D.
2/6/2019 3 of 14

Water Resources
Water resources in the study area are part of the French Broad River basin. Four jurisdictional streams and
one jurisdictional wetland were identified in the study area, as described in detail in the Natural Resources
Technical Report (December, 2016). Based on a 25-foot buffer of the proposed roadway slope stakes, no
direct impacts to the jurisdictional wetland are anticipated as a result of the project and approximately 42.6
linear feet of direct impacts to jurisdictional streams are anticipated. There are no surface waters within the
project study area that have been designated by USACE as Navigable Waters under Section 10 of the Rivers
and Harbors Act. Richland Creek, on the upstream side of the project corridor, is designated as Hatchery
Supported Trout Waters by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). A construction moratorium is
therefore anticipated from October 15t" to April 15". There are no other anadromous fish waters, or Primary
Nursery Areas (PNA) present in the study area. There are no designated High Quality Waters (HQW),
Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW), or Water Supply Watersheds (WS-I or WS-11) within 1.0 mile
downstream of the study area. There are no streams in the study area listed on the Final 2014 North Carolina
303(d) list due to sedimentation or turbidity.
Hydraulics
Bridge number 430186 over Richland Creek will require replacement as part of the proposed project. The
existing structure is a 36" prestressed concrete girder bridge with four spans and total length of 162 feet. It is
recommended the existing bridge be replaced at approximately the same location with a new three -span
bridge 180 feet long. A minimum 0.3% grade is recommended to facilitate bridge deck drainage.
The crossing is in a Detailed FEMA Study with Regulatory Floodway, located in Special Flood Hazard Zone AE.
Normal water depth is 2.8 feet. The channel is approximately 30 to 55 feet wide immediately upstream and
downstream of the existing bridge. The existing bridge overtops during the 25-year storm event. Recent drift
was observed 1 feet above the normal water surface elevation during the field investigation. As a result of
this project, the base flood elevations decreased a maximum of 2.60 foot which is classified as a measurable
impact, therefore, an MOA Type 2b project will be required for this project. There are insurable structures
located within the floodplain upstream of the project, at the time of this study.
NCDOT "Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters" will be utilized throughout the life
of the project. Erosion and sediment will be controlled through the specification, installation, and
maintenance of more stringent erosion and sedimentation control methods. Existing drainage patterns will
be maintained to the extent practicable.
Federally Protected Species
There are nine federally protected species listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for
Haywood County (as of June 27, 2018), as summarized in Table 2, including the biological conclusion
rendered based on survey results in the project study area.
Table 2. Federally Protected Species Listed for Haywood County
Common Name
Scientific Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological Conclusion
Applalachian elktoe
Alasmidonta raveneliana
Endangered
No
No Effect
Spreading avens
Geum radiatum
Endangered
No
No Effect
Carolina northern flying
squirrel
Glyucomys sabrinus
coloratus
Endangered
No
No Effect
Rock gnome lichen
Gymnoderma lineare
Endangered
No
No Effect
Spruce -fir moss spider
Microhexura montivaga
Endangered
No
No Effect
2/6/2019 4 of 14

Table 2. Federally Protected Species Listed for Haywood County
Common Name
Scientific Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological Conclusion
Gray bat
Myotis grisescens
Endangered
Yes
May Effect, Not Likely
to Adversely Affect
Northern Long-eared bat
Myotis septentrionalis
Threatened
Yes
NR
Indiana bat
Myotis sodalis
Endangered
Yes
May Effect, Not Likely
to Adversely Affect
Small whorled pogonia
Isotria medeoloides
Threatened
No
No Effect
Rusty -patched bumble bee
I Bombus affinis
Endangered
NR
NR
CALYX biologists surveyed the project study area for bat habitat in 2016. Evidence of bat use (guano) on the
US 276 (Russ Avenue) bridge over Richland Creek was observed during fieldwork activities on March 28,
2016. Division 14 followed up with a subsequent survey and saw an actively roosting bat tentatively
identified as a gray bat. As a result, USFWS suggested that Division 14 perform additional bridge checks
during spring/summer 2018. The bridge over Richland Creek was checked for bats 29 times by CALYX, NCDOT,
and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) biologists from the middle of April through the
first week of November during 2018, and the presence of gray bats was confirmed. Gray bats (1 or 2
individuals each time) were observed on 12 occasions. It appears that while gray bats (and other bat species
such as big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, and tricolored bats, Perimyotis subflavus) are using the bridge, it is
not a gray bat maternity roost.
Gray bat — May Effect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Assuming roost usage does not markedly increase by gray bats, NCDOT has committed to the following
conservation measures for the Gray bat:
- Complete all bridge demolition in the winter (between August 15 and May 15), noting demolition of the
existing structure will be staged for the purpose on on -site traffic maintenance.
- Install curtains or other barriers to deter bat roosting on the remaining un-demolished bridge portion.
The curtains will remain in place until the demolition of the remaining portion of the bridge can begin.
The next bridge section will be surveyed immediately before demolition to confirm an absence of bats.
The new bridge will be a concrete deck and girder structure (same as existing).
- Install a bat box on the underside of the new bridge to accommodate any bats that may choose to roost
on the new structure in the future. Considering these commitments, as well as the commitment to
Demolish the existing bridges during winter, we concur with your determination that the project may
effect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the gray bat.
Considering these commitments, USFWS has provided concurrence with the determination that the project
May Effect, but is Not Likely to Adversely Affect, the gray bat.
Indiana bat — May Effect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
NCDOT has committed to the following conservation measures for the Indiana bat:
- Tree clearing required for the project will occur only during the time period of October 15th through April
15t" to avoid impacts to potentially roosting bats.
Accordingly, USFWS has provided concurrence with the determination that the project May Effect, but is Not
Likely to Adversely Affect, the Indiana bat.
2/6/2019 5 of 14

Northern Long-eared bat — Not Required based on consistency of action with Section 4(d) NLEB Rule
As outlined in the Biological Opinion completed on the 4(d) rule for the federally threatened NLEB on January
5, 2016, this activity is now excepted from take prohibitions for Northern long-eared bat, based on the
project location. Project activities in the action area: (1) would not affect a known hibernation site; (2) are not
located within % mile of a known hibernation site, or; (3) are not located within a 150' radius of a known
maternity (tree) site.
Therefore, requirements under Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 15 31- 1543), are fulfilled. Obligations under Section 7 of the ESA must be reconsidered if: (1) new
information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a
manner not previously considered, (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not
considered in this review, or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat is determined that may be affected
by the identified action.
Hazardous Materials
A hazardous materials evaluation was conducted to identify sites that are contaminated or may become
contaminated and could result in increased project costs or liability should they become acquired. Hazardous
materials sites may include but are not limited to, regulated landfills, active and inactive above ground
storage tank and underground storage tank sites, and hazardous waste sites. Environmental Data Resources
(EDR) was consulted to identify known contaminated sites of concern on Federal and State regulatory lists.
Historical information including aerial photography, city directories, and topographic maps obtained from
EDR were also reviewed. Based on research and site reconnaissance conducted on September 2, 2016, a total
of 12 properties were identified, as summarized in Table 3.
Table 3. Hazardous Materials Sites Located in U-3839 Project Area
Site Number & Name
Address
Facility ID
Type
1 - Former Russ Avenue Shell
475 Russ Ave.
0-001770
UST— Inactive
2 - Former Plaza BP
598 Russ Ave.
0-009726
UST — Former
3 — Former Aztex 209
504 Russ Ave.
0-009928
UST — Former
4 — Former Handy Mart/CVS
733 Russ Ave.
0-007237
UST — Former
5 — Baggett Property (vacant)
321 Boundary St.
N/A
UST — Former
6 —Taylor Motor Company
524 Russ Ave.
0-0-0010903
UST — Former
7 — Former Messers Exxon
701 Dellwood Rd.
00-0-010402
UST — Former
8 — Mountain Energy
843 Russ Ave.
0-0-0035631
UST — Active
9 — Downs Upholstery Shop
683 Dellwood Rd.
N/A
UST — Unregistered/Observed
10 — Snappy Lube
704 Dellwood Rd.
N/A
Vehicle Maintenance
11— Southern Concrete Materials
201 Boundary St.
00-0-010072
Above Ground Storage Tank
12 —Bridgestone
65 Waynesville Plaza
N/A
Vehicle Maintenance
Indirect and Cumulative Effects
The project will not permanently alter travel patterns or create notable travel time savings. It will neither
increase, nor eliminate access to any properties in the area, nor open any areas for new development or
redevelopment. Due to its minimal transportation impact -causing activities, this project will neither influence
nearby land uses, nor stimulate growth. A detailed indirect and cumulative effects study is therefore not
necessary.
2/6/2019 6 of 14

Environmental Justi
Census data does not indicate a notable presence of populations meeting the criteria for Environmental
Justice (EJ) within the Demographic Study Area (DSA) and minority or low income communities have not been
observed during field reviews or noted by local officials. Although adverse community impacts are
anticipated with this project in the form of right-of-way and accessibility impacts, they appear to affect all
populations equivalently; thus, impacts to minority and low income populations do not appear to be
disproportionately high and adverse. Benefits and burdens resulting from the project are anticipated to be
equitably distributed throughout the community.
Public Involvement
The first of two public meetings was held on December 6, 2016, at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse
in Waynesville, where Alternative 1 was presented to the public. A Local Officials Informational Meeting
(LOIM) was held prior to the open house Citizens Informational Workshop. Representatives from the Town of
Waynesville and French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO) attended the LOIM, while
25 citizens attended the open house public meeting. Following the meetings, approximately 200 individual
public comments were received, the large majority of which expressed opposition to the improvements
proposed along the Walnut Street portion of the project corridor due to potential impacts on historic
resources, businesses, residences, and the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesville in particular. A large
number of comments questioned the need for any improvements along this segment, citing a lack of existing
traffic problems. A large number of comments also questioned the need for proposed bicycle and pedestrian
accommodations. The initially proposed Alternative 1 generated substantial controversy and was largely
opposed by the local community. In addition to individual comments opposing the proposed improvements
to the Walnut Street portion of the corridor, local news media published articles of opposition, and the Town
of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission as well as the Board of Aldermen adopted resolutions of
opposition.
In response to the negative feedback received, a revised Alternative 2 was developed and presented at a
second public meeting held on November 14, 2017, at the Haywood Community College Student Center. The
Local Officials Informational Meeting (LOIM), held prior to the open house public meeting, was attended by
14 local government representatives. The open house public meeting was attended by 45 citizens. The
majority of meeting attendees, including both local officials and residents, were supportive of revisions made
to the project design. Attendees were also largely supportive of the proposal to bury existing overhead
utilities along the Walnut Street portion of the project corridor in order to create the necessary space to
improve existing sidewalk facilities while keeping the project footprint within existing right-of-way through
the Historic District. Following the second meeting, a total of 12 public comments were received, which
primarily included concerns expressed by individual property owners regarding potential right-of-way and
accessibility impacts to specific properties. Based on the positive feedback and public support, the proposal
to bury utilities along Walnut Street was pursued by the project team following the second public meeting.
The project team coordinated with utility providers, local officials and property owners throughout the
development of detailed designs for relocating overhead utilities. The design was presented to and approved
by the Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission in December 2018.
2/6/2019 7 of 14

PART A: MINIMUM CRITERIA
Item 1 to be completed by the Engineer. YES NO
1. Is the proposed project listed as a type and class of activity allowed under the Minimum
Criteria Rule in which environmental documentation is not required? ❑ ❑
If yes, under which category? (26): Implementation of any project which qualifies as a "Categorical
Exclusion" under the National Environmental Policy Act by one of the
Agencies of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
PART B: MINIMUM CRITERIA EXCEPTIONS
Items 2 — 4 to be completed by the Engineer.
YES NO
2. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use concentrations that
❑
would be expected to create adverse air quality impacts?
3. Will the proposed activity have secondary impacts or cumulative impacts that may
❑
result in a significant adverse impact to human health or the environment?
4. Is the proposed activity of such an unusual nature or does the proposed activity have
such widespread implications, that an uncommon concern for its environmental effects
❑ ❑
has been expressed to the Department?
Item 5-8 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer.
YES NO
5. Does the proposed activity have a significant adverse effect on wetlands; surface
waters such as rivers, streams, and estuaries; parklands; prime or unique agricultural
❑ ❑
lands; or areas of recognized scenic, recreational, archaeological, or historical value?
6. Will the proposed activity endanger the existence of a species on the Department of
❑ ❑
Interior's threatened and endangered species list?
7. Could the proposed activity cause significant changes in land use concentrations that
❑
would be expected to create adverse water quality or ground water impacts?
8. Is the proposed activity expected to have a significant adverse effect on long-term
❑
recreational benefits or shellfish, finfish, wildlife, or their natural habitats
PART C: COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS
Items 9-12 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer.
YES
NO
9. Is a federally protected threatened or endangered species, or its habitat, likely to be
®
❑
impacted by the proposed action?
10. Does the action require the placement of temporary or permanent fill in waters of the
❑
United States?
11. Does the project require the placement of a significant amount of fill in high quality or
❑
relatively rare wetland ecosystems, such as mountain bogs or pine savannahs?
12. Is the proposed action located in an Area of Environmental Concern, as defined in the
❑
coastal Area Management Act?
Items 13 —15 to be completed by the Engineer. YES NO
13. Does the project require stream relocation or channel changes? ❑
14. Will the project have an "effect" on a property or site listed on the National Register of ® ❑
Historic Places?
15. Will the proposed action require acquisition of additional right of way from publicly ❑
owned parkland or recreational areas?
2/6/2019 8 of 14

Questions in Part "C" are designed to assist the Engineer and the Division Environmental Officer in
determining whether a permit or consultation with a state or federal resource agency may be required. If any
questions in Part T" are answered "yes', follow the appropriate permitting procedures prior to beginning
project construction.
PART D: (To be completed when either category #8. 120) or #15 of the rules are used.)
Items 16- 22 to be completed by Division Environmental Officer.
16. Project length: 1.1 miles
17. Right of Way width: 60 feet (Walnut Street) —100 feet (Russ Avenue)
18. Project completion date: 2022
19. Total acres of newly disturbed ground surface: 9.8 acres
20. Total acres of wetland impacts: 0
21. Total linear feet of stream impacts: 42.6 linear feet
22. Project purpose:
To improve traffic operations along the corridor and ensure an acceptable level of service for the
traveling public into the future by employing access management, spot intersection improvements,
signal system upgrades, as well as bicycle and pedestrian facility improvements. The project will also
improve safety along the corridor by reducing the number of conflict points for vehicular and non -
vehicular travelers.
DocuSigned by:
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Prepared by: P1�111121111zaaAz... �J Date:
Martha Hodge, AICP
CALYX Engineers and Consultants, an NV5 Company
DocuSigned by:
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Reviewed by: JF651FC9EFE68494... Date'
Jonathan Woodard
NCDOT Division 14 Project Engineer
DocuSigned by:
2/6/2019
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Date:
David McHenry
Division 14 Environmental Officer
2/6/2019 9 of 14

Type III Categorical Exclusion Action Classification Form
STIP Project No. U-5839
WBS Element 50230.1.1
Federal Project No. N/A
F. Project Impact Criteria Checklists
Type III Actions
Yes
No
If the proposed improvement is identified as a Type III Class of Action answer all questions.
• The Categorical Exclusion will require FHWA approval.
• If any questions are marked "yes," then additional information will be required for those questions in
Section G.
1
Does the project involve potential effects on species listed with the US Fish and Wildlife
❑X
❑
Service (USFWS) or National Marine Fisheries (NMFS)?
2
Does the project result in impacts subject to the conditions of the Bald and Golden Eagle
❑
❑X
Protection Act (BGPA)?
3
Does the project generate substantial controversy or public opposition, for any reason,
❑X
❑
following appropriate public involvement?
4
Does the project cause disproportionately high and adverse impacts relative to low-
❑
❑X
income and/or minority populations?
5
Does the project involve substantial residential or commercial displacements or right of
❑
❑X
way acquisition?
6
Does the project include a determination under Section 4(f)?
❑
❑X
7
Is a project -level analysis for direct, indirect, or cumulative effects required based on the
❑
❑X
NCDOT community studies screening tool?
8
Is a project level air quality Mobile Source Air Toxics (MSAT) analysis required?
❑
❑X
9
Is the project located in anadromous fish spawning waters?
❑
❑X
10
Does the project impact waters classified as Outstanding Resource Water (ORW), High
❑
❑X
Quality Water (HQW), Water Supply Watershed Critical Areas, 303(d) listed impaired
water bodies, buffer rules, or Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV)?
11
Does the project impact waters of the United States in any of the designated mountain
❑X
❑
trout streams?
12
Does the project require a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Individual Section 404
❑
❑X
Permit?
13
Will the project require an easement from a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
❑
❑X
(FERC) licensed facility?
14
Does the project include Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA)
❑X
❑
effects determination other than a no effect, including archaeological remains? Are
there project commitments identified?
15
Does the project involve hazardous materials and/or landfills?
❑
❑X
2/6/2019 10 of 14

Type III Actions (continued)
Yes
No
16
Does the project require work encroaching and adversely effecting a regulatory
❑X
❑
floodway or work affecting the base floodplain (100-year flood) elevations of a water
course or lake, pursuant to Executive Order 11988 and 23 CFR 650 subpart A?
17
Is the project in a Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) county and substantially affects
❑
❑X
the coastal zone and/or any Area of Environmental Concern (AEC)?
18
Does the project require a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) permit?
❑
❑X
19
Does the project involve construction activities in, across, or adjacent to a designated
❑
❑X
Wild and Scenic River present within the project area?
20
Does the project involve Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) resources?
❑
❑X
21
Does the project impact federal lands (e.g. USFS, USFWS, etc.) or Tribal Lands?
❑
❑X
22
Does the project involve any changes in access control?
❑X
❑
23
Does the project have a permanent adverse effect on local traffic patterns or community
❑
❑X
cohesiveness?
24
Will maintenance of traffic cause substantial disruption?
❑
❑X
25
Is the project inconsistent with the STIP or the Metropolitan Planning Organization's
❑
❑X
(MPO's) Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) (where applicable)?
26
Does the project require the acquisition of lands under the protection of Section 6(f) of
❑
❑X
the Land and Water Conservation Act, the Federal Aid in Fish Restoration Act, the
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Tribal Lands,
or other unique areas or special lands that were acquired in fee or easement with
public -use money and have deed restrictions or covenants on the property?
27
Does the project involve Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) buyout
❑
❑X
properties under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)?
28
Is the project considered a Type I under the NCDOT's Noise Policy?
❑
❑X
29
Is there prime or important farmland soil impacted by this project as defined by the
❑
❑X
Farmland Protection Policy Act (FPPA)?
30
Are there other issues that arose during the project development process that effected
❑
❑X
the project decision?
G. Additional Documentation as Required from Section F
(1) Federally Protected Species
There are nine federally protected species listed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for
Haywood County (as of June 27, 2018), as summarized in Table 1, including the biological conclusion
rendered based on survey results in the project study area.
Table 1. Federally Protected Species Listed for Haywood County
Common Name
Scientific Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological Conclusion
Applalachian elktoe
Alasmidonta raveneliana
Endangered
No
No Effect
Spreading avens
Geum radiatum
Endangered
No
No Effect
2/6/2019 11 of 14

Table 1. Federally Protected Species Listed for Haywood County
Common Name
Scientific Name
Federal
Status
Habitat
Present
Biological Conclusion
Carolina northern flying
squirrel
Glyucomys sabrinus
coloratus
Endangered
No
No Effect
Rock gnome lichen
Gymnoderma lineare
Endangered
No
No Effect
Spruce -fir moss spider
Microhexura montivaga
Endangered
No
No Effect
Gray bat
Myotis grisescens
Endangered
Yes
May Effect, Not Likely
to Adversely Affect
Northern Long-eared bat
Myotis septentrionalis
Threatened
Yes
NR
Indiana bat
Myotis sodalis
Endangered
Yes
May Effect, Not Likely
to Adversely Affect
Small whorled pogonia
Isotria medeoloides
Threatened
No
No Effect
Rusty -patched bumble bee
eombus affinis
Endangered
NR
NR
CALYX biologists surveyed the project study area for bat habitat in 2016. Evidence of bat use (guano) on the
US 276 (Russ Avenue) bridge over Richland Creek was observed during fieldwork activities on March 28,
2016. Division 14 followed up with a subsequent survey and saw an actively roosting bat tentatively
identified as a gray bat. As a result, USFWS suggested that Division 14 perform additional bridge checks
during spring/summer 2018. The bridge over Richland Creek was checked for bats 29 times by CALYX, NCDOT,
and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) biologists from the middle of April through the
first week of November during 2018, and the presence of gray bats was confirmed. Gray bats (1 or 2
individuals each time) were observed on 12 occasions. It appears that while gray bats (and other bat species
such as big brown bats, Eptesicus fuscus, and tricolored bats, Perimyotis subflavus) are using the bridge, it is
not a gray bat maternity roost.
Gray bat — May Effect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
Assuming roost usage does not markedly increase by gray bats, NCDOT has committed to the following
conservation measures for the Gray bat:
- Complete all bridge demolition in the winter (between August 15 and May 15), noting demolition of the
existing structure will be staged for the purpose on on -site traffic maintenance.
- Install curtains or other barriers to deter bat roosting on the remaining un-demolished bridge portion.
The curtains will remain in place until the demolition of the remaining portion of the bridge can begin.
The next bridge section will be surveyed immediately before demolition to confirm an absence of bats.
The new bridge will be a concrete deck and girder structure (same as existing).
- Install a bat box on the underside of the new bridge to accommodate any bats that may choose to roost
on the new structure in the future. Considering these commitments, as well as the commitment to
Demolish the existing bridges during winter, we concur with your determination that the project may
effect, but is not likely to adversely affect, the gray bat.
Considering these commitments, USFWS has provided concurrence with the determination that the project
May Effect, but is Not Likely to Adversely Affect, the gray bat.
Indiana bat — May Effect, Not Likely to Adversely Affect
NCDOT has committed to the following conservation measures for the Indiana bat:
- Tree clearing required for the project will occur only during the time period of October 15th through April
15t" to avoid impacts to potentially roosting bats.
2/6/2019 12 of 14

Accordingly, USFWS has provided concurrence with the determination that the project May Effect, but is Not
Likely to Adversely Affect, the Indiana bat.
Northern Long-eared bat — Not Required based on consistency of action with Section 4(d) NLEB Rule
As outlined in the Biological Opinion completed on the 4(d) rule for the federally threatened NLEB on January
5, 2016, this activity is now excepted from take prohibitions for Northern long-eared bat, based on the
project location. Project activities in the action area: (1) would not affect a known hibernation site; (2) are not
located within % mile of a known hibernation site, or; (3) are not located within a 150' radius of a known
maternity (tree) site.
Therefore, requirements under Section 7(c) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973, as amended (16
U.S.C. 15 31- 1543), are fulfilled. Obligations under Section 7 of the ESA must be reconsidered if: (1) new
information reveals impacts of this identified action that may affect listed species or critical habitat in a
manner not previously considered, (2) this action is subsequently modified in a manner that was not
considered in this review, or (3) a new species is listed or critical habitat is determined that may be affected
by the identified action.
(3) Public Controversy or Opposition
The first of two public meetings was held on December 6, 2016, at the Haywood County Historic Courthouse
in Waynesville, where Alternative 1 was presented to the public. A Local Officials Informational Meeting
(LOIM) was held prior to the open house Citizens Informational Workshop. Representatives from the Town of
Waynesville and French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization (FBRMPO) attended the LOIM, while
25 citizens attended the open house public meeting. Following the meetings, approximately 200 individual
public comments were received, the large majority of which expressed opposition to the improvements
proposed along the Walnut Street portion of the project corridor due to potential impacts on historic
resources, businesses, residences, and the First Presbyterian Church of Waynesville in particular. A large
number of comments questioned the need for any improvements along this segment, citing a lack of existing
traffic problems. A large number of comments also questioned the need for proposed bicycle and pedestrian
accommodations. The initially proposed Alternative 1 generated substantial controversy and was largely
opposed by the local community. In addition to individual comments opposing the proposed improvements
to the Walnut Street portion of the corridor, local news media published articles of opposition, and the Town
of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission as well as the Board of Aldermen adopted resolutions of
opposition.
In response to the negative feedback received, a revised Alternative 2 was developed and presented at a
second public meeting held on November 14, 2017, at the Haywood Community College Student Center. The
Local Officials Informational Meeting (LOIM), held prior to the open house public meeting, was attended by
14 local government representatives. The open house public meeting was attended by 45 citizens. The
majority of meeting attendees, including both local officials and residents, were supportive of revisions made
to the project design. Attendees were also largely supportive of the proposal to bury existing overhead
utilities along the Walnut Street portion of the project corridor in order to create the necessary space to
improve existing sidewalk facilities while keeping the project footprint within existing right-of-way through
the Historic District. Following the second meeting, a total of 12 public comments were received, which
primarily included concerns expressed by individual property owners regarding potential right-of-way and
accessibility impacts to specific properties. Based on the positive feedback and public support, the proposal
to bury utilities along Walnut Street was pursued by the project team following the second public meeting.
The project team coordinated with utility providers, local officials and property owners throughout the
development of detailed designs for relocating overhead utilities. The design was presented to and approved
by the Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission in December 2018.
2/6/2019 13 of 14

(11) Designated Mountain Trout Streams
Richland Creek, on the upstream side of the project corridor, is designated as Hatchery Supported Trout
Waters by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). A construction moratorium is therefore
anticipated from October 15th to April 151n
14) Section 106 Effects Determination other than a No Effect
A National Register Listed Historic District (HW0181) boundary spans a considerable portion of the U-5839
project corridor and study area and two locally -designated landmarks (HW0114 and HW 0133) are located
adjacent to the corridor. It has been determined the preferred alternative (Alternative 2) will have No
Adverse Effect on historic resources. As stated in the Historic Architecture and Landscapes Assessment of
Effects Form (included in Appendix), ongoing coordination with the Town of Waynesville, utility providers,
local historic preservation commission, and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has led to a final design
that is approved by the town, utility providers and local historic commission. The Effects Determination is
dependent on satisfaction of the following project commitments:
- All sidewalk that is improved/replaced in the Historic District will retain granite curb.
- Existing overhead utilities will be relocated underground and aboveground poles removed, with service
connections relocated to rear side of structures. One small aboveground utility cabinet will be located at
H W0133.
- Decorative street lighting will be provided by the Town of Waynesville.
- Existing on -street parking along west side of Walnut Street will be retained.
- A Permanent Utility Easement (PUE) will be located on the currently vacant lot in the northeast quadrant
of the Walnut and Boundary Street intersection.
(16) Effects/Encroachments to Regulatory Floodway or Base Floodplain Elevations (BFE)
Bridge number 430186 over Richland Creek will require replacement as part of the proposed project. The
existing structure is a 36" prestressed concrete girder bridge with four spans and total length of 162 feet. It is
recommended the existing bridge be replaced at approximately the same location with a new three -span
bridge 180 feet long. A minimum 0.3% grade is recommended to facilitate bridge deck drainage.
The crossing is in a Detailed FEMA Study with Regulatory Floodway, located in Special Flood Hazard Zone AE.
Normal water depth is 2.8 feet. The channel is approximately 30 to 55 feet wide immediately upstream and
downstream of the existing bridge. The existing bridge overtops during the 25-year storm event. Recent drift
was observed 1 feet above the normal water surface elevation during the field investigation. As a result of
this project, the base flood elevations decreased a maximum of 2.60 foot which is classified as a measurable
impact, therefore, an MOA Type 2b project will be required for this project. There are insurable structures
located within the floodplain upstream of the project, at the time of this study.
NCDOT "Best Management Practices for the Protection of Surface Waters" will be utilized throughout the life
of the project. Erosion and sediment will be controlled through the specification, installation, and
maintenance of more stringent erosion and sedimentation control methods. Existing drainage patterns will
be maintained to the extent practicable.
(22) Access Modifications
The proposed construction of a median will permanently alter property access and accessibility along the
Russ Avenue segment of the project corridor. All existing driveways and cross streets along this segment that
are not currently signalized will be converted to right -in, right -out access only.
2/6/2019 14 of 14

PROJECT COMMITMENTS:
Haywood County
U.S. 276 (Russ Avenue/Walnut Street) Improvements
From U.S. 23/74 (Great Smoky Mountains Expressway)
To N. Main Street (U.S. 23 Business)
W.B.S. No. 50230.1.1
T.I.P. No. U-5839
All Design Groups/Division Construction — NCWRC Trout Stream
NCWRC has identified Richland Creek on the upstream side of the US 276 (Russ Avenue) project corridor
as public mountain trout waters. Therefore, a moratorium on all in -water work will be in place from
October 15 to April 15 of any given year. NCDOT will implement Guidelines for Construction of Highway
Improvements Adjacent to or Crossing Trout Waters in North Carolina in the design and construction of
this project.
Division Construction — Cultural Resources
A National Register Listed Historic District (HW0181) boundary spans a considerable portion of the U-
5839 project corridor and study area and two locally -designated landmarks (HW0114 and HW 0133) are
located adjacent to the corridor. Coordination with the Town of Waynesville, utility providers, local
historic preservation commission, and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has led to a final project
design that is approved by the town, utility providers and local historic commission (resolution included
in Appendix). The Historic Architecture and Landscapes Determination of Effects (included in Appendix)
is dependent on the following commitments:
- All sidewalk that is improved/replaced in the Historic District will retain granite curb.
- Existing overhead utilities will be relocated underground and aboveground poles removed, with
service connections relocated to rear side of structures. One small aboveground utility cabinet will
be located at HW0133.
- Decorative street lighting will be provided by the Town of Waynesville.
- Existing on -street parking along west side of Walnut Street will be retained.
- A Permanent Utility Easement (PUE) will be located on the currently vacant lot in the northeast
quadrant of the Walnut and Boundary Street intersection.
Division Construction — Endangered Bats
Due to the possibility of Gray bats at the Richland Creek bridge site, the following conservation
measures will be taken:
- Complete all bridge demolition in the winter (between August 15 and May 15), noting demolition
of the existing structure will be staged for the purpose on on -site traffic maintenance.
- Install curtains or other barriers to deter bat roosting on the remaining un-demolished bridge
portion. The curtains will remain in place until the demolition of the remaining portion of the
bridge can begin. The next bridge section will be surveyed immediately before demolition to
confirm an absence of bats. The new bridge will be a concrete deck and girder structure (same as
existing).
- Install a bat box on the underside of the new bridge to accommodate any bats that may choose to
roost on the new structure in the future.
2/6/2019 U-5839 Project Commitments 1 of 2

Due to the possibility of Indiana bats at the Richland Creek bridge site, the following conservation
measures will be taken:
- Any required tree clearing will occur strictly between October 15 and April 15
GeoEnvironmental Section — Impacts to Underground Storage Tanks (USTs)
If further design indicates potential impact to USTs, preliminary site assessments for soil and
groundwater contamination will be performed prior to right of way purchase.
Hydraulic Units — Floodplain Mapping Program Coordination
The Hydraulics Unit will coordinate with the NC Floodplain Mapping Program (FMP), to determine the
status of the project with regard to applicability of NCDOT'S Memorandum of Agreement with FMP
(dated April 22, 2013, modified February 5, 2015), or approval of a Conditional Letter of Map Revision
(CLOMR) and subsequent final Letter of Map Revision (LOMR).
Roadway Design/Program Development Branch — Sidewalks
Sidewalks are included on both sides for the entire length of the project. The Town of Waynesville will
be responsible for the maintenance and liability of the proposed sidewalks as well as sharing in the cost
of construction according to NCDOT requirements for a municipality with a population less than 10,000
(80% NCDOT, 20% Local).
Roadway Design — Greenway Accommodations
The preferred alignment for the future Richland Creek Greenway intersects the project corridor at the
Richland Creek Bridge. An at -grade crossing will be provided for the future trail via crosswalk located at
the existing signalized intersection on the southern Richland Creek Bridge approach, as depicted on
Environmental Features Figure 4D.
2/6/2019 U-5839 Project Commitments 2 of 2

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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
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1 INCH — 100 FEET CALYX Engineers and Consultants. Map Date: January 31, 2019 MOUNTAINS TO SEA

NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
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Figure 213 - Environmental Features
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NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT
4
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Figure 2C - Environmental Features
®
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MOUNTAINS TO SEA

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NC STATE BIKE ROUTE 2 -
MOUNTAINS TO SEA

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MOUNTAINS TO SEA

Pr'ojecl Tracking No. (Inier•rral Use)
16-o6-0026
•r
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPES
' ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS FORM
_ This form only pertains to Historic Architecture and Landscapes for this project. It
is not valid for Archaeological Resources. You must consult separately with the
Archaeology Group.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project No:
U-5839
County:
Haywood
WBS No.:
50230.1.1
Document
SEAIFONSI
Type:
Fed. Aid No:
Funding:
State
Federal
Yes
Permit
USACE
Permits :
T e s :
Project Description:
Upgrade US 276 (Muss Avenue) from US 23/74 to US 23 Business (Main Street) in
Waynesville
SUMMARY OF HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPES REVIEW
Description ofreview activities, results, and conclusions:
Project area reviewed in HPOWeb and in the field by NCDOT architectural historian in June
2016 and project falls within the bouandries of the NR-listed Spread Out HD (HWO181) and
which also contains two locally -designated landmarks — HW0114 and HWO133. Ongoing
coordination with town, utilities, local historic preservation commission, and HPO has led to a
final design that is approved by the with town, utilities, and local historic preservation
Ki3iiiiiiF.•�YCeliw
ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS
Property Name:
Spread Out Historic
Status:
NR
District
Survey Site No.:
HWO181
PIN.-
multiple
Effects
❑ No Effect )ErNo Adverse Effect ❑ Adverse Effect
Explanation of Effects Determination:
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Page 1 of 2

List a Environmental Commitments:
Is
W0,C,4& dusi( rl P10JI5
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
Map(s) ❑Previous Survey Info. (Photos ACOrrespondence ADesign Plans
FINDING BY NCDOT AND STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE
Historic Architecture and Landscapes —ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS
" 2!:�4pf l 1 2Dl
NCDOT ArEWtectural Historian
Date
State Historic Preservation Office Representati6 Date
Federal Agency Representative
Date
Hislorle Arc'hilmure and Landscapes fiFFhOSASSESSMENTform for minor,''I mnsporialion Yrojeci.s as 0makfied in the 2007 Arogmrnnlallc Agreement.
Page 2 of 2

Sandra Owen, Chairman
Alex McKay, Vice -Chairman
Ann Melton
Linda Ann Lee
Abigail Carver
Glenn Duerr
Jeff Childers
Virgil Messer
Bill Revis
TOWN OF WAYNESVILLE
Historic Preservation
Commission
9 South Main Street
Waynesville, NC 28786
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
www,waynesvi llenc.gov
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
THE REVISED DESIGNS To
NC DOT Project U-5839 Russ Avenue/Walnut Street
Development Services
Director
Elizabeth Teague
WHEREAS, the Town of Waynesville's Historic Preservation Commission is a Certified
Local Government ("CLG") of the State of North Carolina and Federal Certified Local Government
Program; and
WHEREAS, federal and state guidelines require that CLG's participate in the review of
projects that impact designated historic resources; and
WHEREAS, on the 5lh day of December, 2018 the Historic Preservation Commission was
presented with revisions to the Russ Avenue/Walnut Street Roadway Improvement Project (NCDOT
Project U-5839); and
WHEREAS, a portion of Project U-5839 is located within the Spread Out Historic District, a
National Register Historic District.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Waynesville Historic
Preservation Commission does hereby adopt this Resolution of Support, which shall serve in lieu of a
Certificate of Appropriateness, for the U-5839 Roadway Improvement Project.
Upon motion duly made by Commissioner A le, k. f.) ff/,? V and duly seconded
by Commissioner Iz z a 2" S , the above resolution was duly adopted by the
Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission at a meeting held on the 5th day of December,
2018, in the Town Hall Building at 16 South Main Street, Waynesville, North Carolina.
f'r
`_chclle Baker, Clerk to the HPC
Sandra Owen, Chairman

Sandra Owen, Chairman
Alex McKay, Vice -Chairman
Ann Melton
Linda Ann Lee
Abigail Carver
Glenn Duerr
Jeff Childers
Virgil Messer
Bill Revis
TOWN OF WAYNESVILLE
Historic Preservation
Commission
9 South Main Street
Waynesville, NC 28786
Phone [phone] • Fax [phone]
www,waynesvi llenc.gov
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF
THE REVISED DESIGNS To
NC DOT Project U-5839 Russ Avenue/Walnut Street
Development Services
Director
Elizabeth Teague
WHEREAS, the Town of Waynesville's Historic Preservation Commission is a Certified
Local Government ("CLG") of the State of North Carolina and Federal Certified Local Government
Program; and
WHEREAS, federal and state guidelines require that CLG's participate in the review of
projects that impact designated historic resources; and
WHEREAS, on the 5lh day of December, 2018 the Historic Preservation Commission was
presented with revisions to the Russ Avenue/Walnut Street Roadway Improvement Project (NCDOT
Project U-5839); and
WHEREAS, a portion of Project U-5839 is located within the Spread Out Historic District, a
National Register Historic District.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Town of Waynesville Historic
Preservation Commission does hereby adopt this Resolution of Support, which shall serve in lieu of a
Certificate of Appropriateness, for the U-5839 Roadway Improvement Project.
Upon motion duly made by Commissioner A le, k. f.) ff/,? V and duly seconded
by Commissioner Iz z a 2" S , the above resolution was duly adopted by the
Town of Waynesville Historic Preservation Commission at a meeting held on the 5th day of December,
2018, in the Town Hall Building at 16 South Main Street, Waynesville, North Carolina.
f'r
`_chclle Baker, Clerk to the HPC
Sandra Owen, Chairman

Project Tracking No.:
16-06-0026
NO ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY REQUIRED FORM
This form only pertains to ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES for this project. It is not
�.r valid for Historic Architecture and Landscapes. You must consult separately with the
�' ✓ Historic Architecture and Landscapes Group.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Project No: U-5839 County: Haywood
WBS No: 50230.1.1 Document: EA
F.A. No: na Funding: ® State ❑ Federal
Federal Permit Required? ® Yes ❑ No Permit Type: NWP 3 or 14 and TVA
Project Description:
The U-5839 project calls for the corridor upgrade for US 276 (Russ Avenue) in the town of Waynesville,
Haywood County. A four -lane median divided facility is proposed, including bicycle and pedestrian
accommodations. Improvements to Y-Lines and connecting roads are recommended as well in order to
improve access. Some connecting road will be on new location. The project will also include the
replacement of Bridge No. 184 over Blue Ridge Southern Railroad and Bridge No. 186 over Richland
Creek. The archaeological Area of Potential Effects (APE) for the project is defined as an approximate
1.10-mile (1.77 km) long corridor running generally north -south along US 276 from US 23172 (Great
Smoky Mountain Expressway) to US 23 Business (N. Main Street). This corridor is approximately
120 feet (36.576 m) wide extending 60 feet (18.288 m) on either side of the road from its present center.
The extent of corridors along the Y-Lines and connecting roads varies from 100 to 1, 000 feet (30.48 to
304.8 m) in length. These corridors have a width of approximately 50 feet (15.24 m) extending 25 feet
(7.62 m) on either side of their proposed centerline.
SUMMARY OF CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW
Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions:
The proposed U-5839 project is located on the north side of the town of Waynesville in Haywood
County, North Carolina. The project is plotted in the northwest corner of the Waynesville USGS 7.5'
topographic quadrangle (Figure 1).
A map review and site file search was conducted at the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) on June 24,
2016. No previously recorded archaeological sites have been identified within or adjacent to the APE.
According to the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office online data base (HPOWEB 2016), a
National Register Listed Historic District covers the southern end of the APE. The Spread Out Historic
District (HW 181) extends south from Walnut Street on the west side of the road and south from Hazel
Street on the east side. A number of architectural historic resources (HW75, HW 114, HW 116—HW 119,
HW 133, and HW 194) are within this section of the APE; however, it is not expected that any intact and
contributing archaeological resources associated with the historic structures will be impacted by this
project. Topographic maps, USDA soil survey maps, aerial photographs (NC One Map), historic maps
(North Carolina maps website), and Google Street View application were examined for information on
environmental and cultural variables that may have contributed to prehistoric or historic settlement within
the project limits and to assess the level of ground disturbance.
`No ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY REQUIRED "form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
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Project Tracking No.:
16-06-0026
US 276 runs generally north -south with Bridge No. 184 and 186 at the southern end of the project area.
The Richland Creek, which is crossed by Bridge 186, drains to the north into the Pigeon River. A
tributary to Richland Creek is also crossed at the northern end of the APE just north of Frazier Street.
This tributary has been modified with its channel straightened and moved in order to allow for structures
to be built and to alleviate flooding. It has also been covered over with paved roads, parking lots, and soil
in some areas. These waterways are part of the French Broad drainage basin. The APE is situated mostly
along an urban developed floodplain and stream terraces (Figure 2). Some steeper hillside slopes are
found are found along the periphery of the APE. Ground disturbance is very high from commercial
development, previous road and railroad construction, and modifications to the drainages. These
disturbances consist of pavement, existing structures, graded landforms, cut and fill, and buried utilities.
The USDA soil survey for the county identifies disturbed soils from urban development within the project
limits (see Figure 2). The floodplain adjacent to Richland Creek is made up of the Udorthents-Urban land
complex (UfA). This area is man-made consisting of fill and/or impervious material deposited to prevent
flooding. The floodplain and terraces away from Richland Creek are composed of the Urban land (Ur).
Here natural soils were covered, removed, or greatly altered by cutting, filling, grading, and shaping
during urban development. As a result, this has changed the original topography and drainage patterns.
Impervious material and existing structures also distinguish this soil type. Udorthents loamy (Ud) soils
are found at the US 276 interchange with the Great Smoky Mountain Expressway and near Hillcrest
Memorial Gardens at the northern end of the APE. This soil type represents areas where natural soils
were destroyed by earthmoving activities altering the original soil characteristics. The stream terrace,
which contains the Historic District to the south, is composed of the Braddock -Urban land complex
(BrC). Although well drained, this series is encompassed by existing structures or pavement. Ditches,
buried utilities, and previous road construction are also found in association with this series. Lastly, the
hillsides at the edges of the APE are made up of the Evard- Cowee complex (EvE). The Evard- Cowee
series is typically well drained with slope of 30 to 50 percent for EvE. Due to the level of prior ground
disturbance, it is unlikely for any intact or significant archaeological deposits to be within the project
limits. Those areas not currently disturbed are situated on steep slopes. Significant sites are not generally
found on landforms with slope at or greater than 15 percent and therefore not tested.
The site files at OSA shows no archaeological sites within or adjacent to the APE and few reviewed
projects. OSA has recommended "No Survey Required" for most of these due to disturbance. However,
it appears a survey was carried out along SR 1184 (Howell Mill Road) at some point. No tracking
number could be located for this project, but it was likely for either a utility corridor or road improvement
project. No sites were identified during this investigation.
Lastly, a historic map review was conducted. Most maps before the 20th century display few details of
the project area with only major routes and settlements depicted. The 1892 Pisgah USGS map shows the
southern portion of the project area, plotting no features other than the railroad and Richland Creek
(Figure 3). By the 1901, the Asheville USGS map illustrates a road that contains portions similar to
present day US 276 (Figure 4). This is the original Dellwood City Road. The two structures depicted to
the west of the road are located within areas that have experienced urban development. It is unlikely any
remains are left of these structures. The 1905 USGS Pisgah map continues to depict the growth of
Waynesville to the north and into the project area (Figure 5). However, no road crosses over the railroad
or Richland Creek within the APE as of yet. A clearer picture of the project area is seen on the 1925 Soil
Map of Haywood County (Figure 6). Roads with alignments similar to the current road are present at the
north and southern ends. Structures are found along both segments. Subsequent maps from the early 20`h
century provide no new information. It is not until the 1960s that a current road alignment begins to
appear on maps. Regardless, it is unlikely any significant intact deposits associated historic structures
will be encountered within the APE.
`No ARCHAEOLOGYSUR VEY REQUIRED "form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
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Project Tracking No.:
16-06-0026
Brief Explanation of why the available information provides a reliable basis for reasonably predicting
that there are no unidentified historic properties in the APE:
The defined archaeological APE for the U-5839 project which includes the proposed replacement of
Bridge No. 184 and Bridge No. 186 in Haywood County is unlikely to impact intact and significant
archaeological deposits. This is due to heavy disturbance from urban development, which as greatly
altered the landscape and drainages. As long as impacts to the subsurface occur within the defined APE,
no further archaeological work is recommended for U-5839. If work should affect subsurface areas
beyond the defined APE, further archaeological consultation might be necessary.
Also, this state funded project requires a Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) 26(a) permit. A copy of this
form is being provided to TVA for their use in their Section 106 compliance including Tribal
consultations as appropriate. Copies of this form are also being provided to The Eastern Band of
Cherokee Indians, The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, and The United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee
Indians.
SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
See attached: ® Map(s) ❑ Previous Survey Info
❑ Photocopy of County Survey Notes
FINDING BY NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST
NO ARCHAEOLOGY SUR VEY REQ UIRED
e�
C. Damon Jones
NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST
❑ Photos ❑Correspondence
Other: images of historic maps
7/8/16
Date
`No ARCHAEOLOGYSUR VEY REQUIRED "form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
3 of 7

Project Tracking No.:
16-06-0026
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Figure 1. Topographic Setting of the Project Area, Clyde (1976; photorcvised 1978) and Waynesville
(1941; photorevised 1979), NC USGS 7.5' Topographic Quadrangle.
`No ARCHAEOLOGYSUR VEY REQUIRED "form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
4of7

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Project Tracking No.:
16-06-0026
U,S-GE0L0rTr4T QUI,
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Figure 3. The 1892 Pisgah USGS topographic map showing the location of the project area.
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Figure 4. The 1901 Asheville USGS topographic map showing the location of the project area.
`No ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY REQUIRED "form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
6of7

Project Tracking No.:
16-06-0026
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Figure 5. The 1905 Pisgah USGS topographic map showing the location of the project area.
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Figure 6. The 1925 Soil Map for Haywood County showing the location of the project area.
`No ARCHAEOLOGY SURVEY REQUIRED "form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2015 Programmatic Agreement.
7of7